New group, and some seasonal crafting

Eric has settled in nicely.  So far we have discovered him playing with Meg's train set, and hanging happily from the lampshade.

We went to a new home ed group today.  It's not far from us (relatively speaking) and we can drive there in 25 minutes. There were around 5 or 6 families, with kids from 18 months to 11. Natalie, the mum we've met up with at the zoo, has organised it.  There was playdough, pasta threading, table football, board games, Playmobil stuff, cool big toys like action man and robots and motorbikes.  A lovely set up.

Freddie got on really well with one of the girls there.  We'd brought the Nexus with us (Rob has a new one so the old one is mine yay!), in case Freddie or Betsy felt shy and wanted to play with it to help 'warm up'.  This really worked and was just what Freddie needed to feel comfortable.  The girl came over to see what he was doing, and they sat together for a while chatting and playing.

He didn't get on so well with another child, who has autism.  They've played together a few times before and it's been fine, but today there was a problem and Freddie said he never wants to see him again in his life.  We talked about it after we left, and I suggested that as this was the first time he'd found the boy difficult maybe we could give it another try.  I said that if he felt upset or overwhelmed by him, we would leave straight away.  He said this was a good idea - hopefully this will work if there is a problem.
On the way home Betsy noticed the sun was going down in the sky - it was only 3.30pm.  We chatted about the earth facing away from the sun in the winter, and towards the sun in the summer.  I told them about Norway, and how it is dark in the winter and light in the summer.  Betsy was very surprised to hear that Australians can have a sunny barbecue on Christmas Day!  We have so many conversations like this in the car.
We have started some seasonal crafting.  Betsy and I made a red bell from shiny wrapping paper.

Meg used the offcuts to make a picture.  She loves glue, and was eating the glue stick.  Yeugh!

Freddie made a get well soon/Christmas card for a 2 year old neighbour who has chicken pox.

The girls made snowmen this afternoon.  They used a craft foam kit with stickers to add the snowman details.  I have one for Freddie, I'm not sure if he'll get around to doing or not.